A six-year-old girl has undergone surgery after she was savaged by a Staffordshire bull terrier-type dog near a playground, police said.

The youngster, who has not been named, lost teeth and suffered a one inch cut to the lip when she was bitten on the face on Thursday afternoon as children made their way home from school.

She was taken to hospital following the attack at Heathfield Recreation Ground in Twickenham, south-west London, and was said to be in shock.

Her condition is described as stable.

Police are searching for a man, believed to be the dog's owner, who took the animal away shortly after the attack, which happened between 4pm and 5pm.

Det Chief Insp Martin Ward, of Richmond Police, said: "This was an unprovoked attack on a very young child. We are making extensive inquiries to trace the owner and are appealing for witnesses, or anyone who may know who the owner of this dangerous animal is, to please come forward."

The dog, which has been likened to a Staffie, is described as having a large head and a short tan coloured coat with white fur under its jaw and on the chest area.

Its owner is believed to be aged in his 30s and is said to be of Mediterranean appearance with black hair.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 020 8247 7218 or Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.